Mines belonging to AngloGold Ashanti have ceased production for almost a month, while workers at another Gold Fields mine - KDC East - have not yet returned to work but this relates to a local union dispute not wages.

South Africa is one of the most unequal societies in the world, while analysts say some of the unrest is being fuelled by disputes between rival unions.

Some miners say the official National Union of Mineworkers is too close to the governing African National Congress (ANC) and so is no longer standing up for their rights.

Some also link the disputes to December's ANC conference, at which Mr Zuma faces calls for him to be replaced.

Mr Zuma has set up a judicial commission of inquiry into the killings of 44 people at the Marikana mine, 34 of whom were shot by police.

The investigation will determine the roles played by the police, the management of the platinum mine, Lonmin, the unions and government.